Adrality Patch 5 mg/day (Donepezil Hydrochloride Hydrate)

Adult dose

The recommended starting dose of this medication is 5 mg per day. After 4 to 6 weeks, it can be increased to the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg per day. Apply one patch weekly to the skin. Dosages exceeding 10 mg per day have not been evaluated. Method of Administration Each patch delivers 5 mg or 10 mg of donepezil over a 7-day (1-week cycle). After 7 days, the used patch should be removed and a new patch applied.

This medication contains Donepezil Hydrochloride Hydrate, used primarily for improving symptoms of Alzheimer's type dementia. First, this medication should not be used by individuals who have allergies to Donepezil, piperidine derivatives, or any of the components of this medication. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant and those who are breastfeeding should also not take this medication. Patients with heart diseases or conditions that cause cardiac conduction disorders should use this medication cautiously as it can stimulate the vagus nerve and cause bradycardia or arrhythmias. Individuals taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or with a history of peptic ulcers should be cautious as gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility can increase, leading to the risk of worsening ulcers. In cases of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease, this medication can cause bronchial smooth muscle contraction and increased mucus secretion, which may worsen symptoms. Patients with extrapyramidal disorders such as Parkinson's disease may experience worsening symptoms due to the stimulation of cholinergic nerves, necessitating close observation. Serious adverse effects may arise while taking this medication, including syncope, bradycardia, heart block, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver dysfunction, epileptic seizures, movement disorders, acute pancreatitis, acute renal failure, and sudden death; immediate medical attention should be sought if these symptoms occur. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia, headache, fatigue, and diminished appetite, most of which are transient and mild. This medication is not approved for other types of dementia or memory disorders and should only be used under the supervision of a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's type dementia. Patients with heart diseases may need an electrocardiogram due to the risk of bradycardia or arrhythmia, and individuals with a history of peptic ulcers should be closely monitored for gastrointestinal symptoms. This medication may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery, necessitating caution during the initial dosing or any dose adjustments. This medication is metabolized by specific liver enzymes and may interact with certain antibiotics, antidepressants, and antiarrhythmics, so caution is needed when used concurrently. It is advisable to avoid use during pregnancy, and breastfeeding mothers should either discontinue breastfeeding or avoid using this medication. Safety in pediatric patients has not been established, thus it should not be used in children. In cases of overdose, severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, bradycardia, and respiratory depression may occur, requiring appropriate detoxification treatment. This medication should be applied to clean, dry skin, and should not be re-applied to the same site within 14 days. Always remove the previous patch before applying a new one. After use, hands should be washed thoroughly, and if it comes into contact with the eyes, it should be rinsed immediately; if symptoms persist, medical advice should be sought. For storage, this medication should be kept in a tightly sealed container out of the reach of children in the fridge (2–8°C), it should not be frozen, and unused patches should be stored in a sealed condition. Used patches should be disposed of with the adhesive side stuck to itself as regular waste, taking care not to flush them down the toilet.

Serious side effects

Syncope, bradycardia, heart block, QT interval prolongation, myocardial infarction, heart failure, peptic ulcers, perforated duodenal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatitis, liver dysfunction, jaundice, cerebral seizures, epilepsy, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebrovascular disorders, extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, dyspnea, acute pancreatitis, acute renal failure, unexplained sudden death, severe allergic reactions (urticaria, severe swelling, chest tightness

Mild side effects

• Nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• dizziness
• insomnia
• drowsiness
• headache
• pain
• fatigue

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container that prevents light exposure, maintaining a temperature between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius in the refrigerator. This way of storage helps maintain the drug's efficacy and prevent degradation.

Appearance

A transdermal patch consisting of a pale blue colored backing and a brown square applicator, with rounded corners, that is affixed to the white to off-white support cut into 4 segments.

Package unit

4 patches/box [(1 patch/pack x 4)]